Treasure Coast Birding Guide
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I SAW IT!
F
lorida's Treasure Coast is home to a multitude of bird species and part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Birding is fun! Use this handy checklist to learn about and keep track of birds that you are certain to see while exploring the area.
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Roseate Spoonbill
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Snail Kite
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Wood Stork
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Sometimes mistaken for a flamingo, this gregarious wading bird is easily recognized for its bright pink plumage and big spoon shaped bill. There is a growing population of these beauties on the Treasure Coast due to rising water levels in the Everglades. Best seen around inland freshwater wetlands. This medium-sized bird of prey feeds almost exclusively on apple snails and, in the U.S., is found only in Florida. The species is locally endangered due to prolonged drought which affects its primary food source. Lucky observers may get a glimpse at inland marshlands and lakes.
This hefty wading bird sports a football shaped body, scaly featherless head and long curved bill that are dead giveaways to its Jurassic ancestry. Their plumage is mostly white with black tail and wing feathers. They roost in trees and hang out around brackish wetlands, ponds and lakes.
Great Blue Heron
The largest of the North American Herons. At an average of four feet tall with a wingspan of around six feet, they are magnificent to see in flight. Named for their blue-gray plumage they have yellow bills and black head feathers. They adapt to both salt and freshwater environments and are abundant along the Indian River Lagoon.
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